THE HILLS SOUTH OF ÉPERNAY AND THE CÔTE DES BLANCS

The Côte des Blancs, right at the heart of champagne history!
In the Middle Ages, the wines from Mont Ebbon and from Épernay already enjoyed a great reputation.

CHAMPAGNE, NATURE, AND HERITAGE

THE CRADLE OF CHARDONNAY

A veritable treasure of the Champagne vineyards, the Côte des Blancs and the hills south of Épernay stretch over a large territory from the north-east to the south-west with slopes and knolls confining the Brie plateau along a border around fifteen kilometres long. 

If the Côte des Blancs has become famous the world over, it is thanks to its capacity for producing champagnes overwhelmingly loved by connoisseurs. Wines from these vineyards are distinguished by their delicate and light aromas with an accent on refinement and finesse. 

Twenty or so cellars and houses carrying the "Vignobles & Découvertes" label open their doors to you and reveal the secrets of their champagne over a tasting and/or a visit of their property.

The labeled V&D

Caves de Champagne - Epernay

UNESCO & CHAMPAGNE

Since July 2015, the Hillsides, Houses, and Cellars of the Champagne region  have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A real expression of the actions of man and nature, it is this alchemy which has allowed an excellent wine to emerge, known as the universal symbol of celebration, festivity, and reconciliation!

The World Heritage Site for the Hillsides, Houses, and Cellars of the Champagne region  highlights the representative sites of Champagne region wine-making:

  • The hillsides of the Vallée de la Marne from Cumières through Hautvillers to Mareuil-sur-Aÿ,
  • Saint-Nicaise hill (and the limestone cellar heritage) in Reims
  • The Avenue de Champagne in Épernay.

The starting point for the Route Touristique du Champagne  circuit is on the famous Avenue de Champagne at Épernay. The historic capital of Champagne, it has rows of imposing and luxury private residences housing internationally renowned Champagne producers.

This route, running along the hillsides, provides magnificent vantage points overlooking the vineyards and the plain. The vineyards stretch as far as Vertus, where there are still many Middle Age villages.

See the itinerary

Musée de la Vigne et du Vin - Mesnil sur Oger

TO SEE ON THE WAY

  1. Épernay and the Avenue de Champagne
  2. Vertus and its historic heritage discovery trail
  3. The vine garden at Cramant
  4. The Chocolaterie Thibaut at Pierry
  5. The Vineyard and Wine Museum at Mesnil sur Oger

COME QUICKLY, BROTHERS, I AM DRINKING THE STARS...

Dom Pérignon

QUIZ

HOW MANY DAYS AFTER BLOSSOMING DO THE GRAPE HARVESTS TAKE PLACE?

  1. 120 days
  2. 60 days
  3. 100 days

ANSWER 

Even though weather conditions can have an impact on the time line, in general we need to wait 100 until days after the appearance of the first grapevine flowers for the fruit to reach maturity. The official opening and closing dates for the grape harvests are set each year by a prefectural order.

YOUR CONTACT

  • EPERNAY TOURISM OFFICE - 7 AVENUE DE CHAMPAGNE - 51200 EPERNAY - +33 3 26 53 33 00 - WWW.OT-EPERNAY.FR

SELECTION OF GETAWAYS